'It is a big deal and a substantial moment' - Becky Hammon makes history as first female NBA coach 

Assistant Hammon could not prevent Spurs' defeat as LeBron James celebrated his 36th birthday by scoring 26 points

San Antonio Spurs assistant coach Becky Hammon calls a play during a timeout in the second half of the team's NBA basketball game against the Los Angeles Lakers, after coach Gregg Popovich was ejected, Wednesday, Dec. 30, 2020, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)

Becky Hammon made history on Wednesday night by becoming the first woman to officially coach an NBA team during the regular season.

Hammon, 43, took over from Gregg Popovich after the San Antonio Spurs head coach was ejected in the second quarter of a 121-107 defeat to the Los Angeles Lakers.